The power delivery system was next. Being a longtime Ford Dude, I set up a 351W magnafluxed iron block, bored and stroked as far as possible while still having survival expectations. The finished motor weighs less than the original flattie! It has a roller hydraulic cam, 1.6 roller rockers, balanced rotating assembly, aluminum GT-40 heads with SS valves, a Milodon 10-quart deep pan, Melling oil pump, ATI Super Damper, and many other goodies. It was originally set up with a 2X4 Edelbrock aluminum Cross Ram with two specially built 350 cfm double-bowl, double-pump Holleys and a Mallory Sprint Mag. Fender-well headers, of course.
The tranny is controlled by a Gennie Shifter, and the steering column is an I-did-it unit. The old Halibrand finally chewed up the spur gears, so it was replaced by a Winters Grand National 10-bolt quick change. The Winters QC is vented through a Moon filler tank mounted to the frame.
But, because of the classic Gasser hauntings, I changed-converted to an early genuine Hilborn 8-stack, fitted with EFI and controlled by a Haltech computer. As noted, it gets a bit chaotic now and again! I built a set of eight 11-inch ram tubes with a 20-degree forward bend and bell top—Big Daddy Roth, you say? Yes, but in actuality, the damn things left straight at the rear would not clear the new firewall with the 12-inch setback on the motor! Stromberg 97 bug screens fit right into the stacks. At least the wire mesh keeps the birds out. Could have made the tubes shorter, but a Hilborn 8-stack demands long runner tubes for a big torque curve, and with the bend, there is adequate room under the hood without a relief hole or scoop modification.
The original Zoops billet multi-belt accessory drive system was later replaced with a Vintage Air Front Runner single-belt accessory drive. This new unit bolts directly to the engine block, eliminating vibration and belt misalignment. A large custom aluminum radiator, electric fan, and new 2-1/4-inch SS headers with electric dumps replace the original 1-3/4-inch tubes. A Joe Hunt Distributor/Magneto replaced the Mallory Sprint Mag—always trying to keep up with the new tech and still look early hot rod. It feeds off an MSD box and coil. Do not think for a second that because it is not a true magneto ignition it will not bite the crap out of you when you grab the wrong wire! Took me a full day to get my hand to function properly!
Now, time to set up the driveline and all the new body/bed anchors!
